Tebboune Warns Macron: Recognizing Moroccan Sahara a “Grave Mistake”
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently stated he cautioned French President Emmanuel Macron against recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, calling such a move a “grave mistake.” This declaration, made during an interview with a French media outlet amidst strained diplomatic relations between Algiers and Paris, appears to be a strategic move aimed at bolstering Tebboune’s image domestically. The interview comes at a time when Algeria faces increasing scrutiny over its regional policies and its perceived diplomatic and economic isolation, fueled by escalating tensions with neighboring countries like Morocco. This has led some analysts to suggest the Algerian government is increasingly turning inwards.
Tebboune characterized the relationship with Morocco as a “chess game,” where Algeria is forced to respond to what it perceives as hostile actions. He condemned what he described as Morocco’s expansionist ambitions and military exercises with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) near the Algerian border, actions he claims contradict the principle of good neighborliness. These algeria-relations/” title=”Macron Affirms France's Commitment to Morocco's National Security”>joint military exercises, increasingly common in recent years as Morocco and Israel strengthen their diplomatic and military ties, are viewed with suspicion by Algeria. This suspicion is further fueled by the ongoing Western Sahara dispute, a territorial conflict that has strained relations between Algeria and Morocco for decades.
However, Tebboune’s stance appears contradictory. While expressing concern over the presence of the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, near Algeria’s borders, he referred to the Polisario Front, an armed separatist group operating along the Moroccan border, as a “republic and member of the African Union.” Although he claimed Algeria is currently refraining from arming the Polisario Front, this assertion clashes with reports of frequent attacks on Moroccan targets, claimed by the Polisario and often reported by Algerian media. This discrepancy raises questions about Algeria’s commitment to the “good neighborliness” it accuses Morocco of violating. The Polisario Front’s claims of attacks, coupled with Algeria’s vocal support for their cause, further complicates the already tense regional dynamics.
The Western Sahara conflict, a decades-long territorial dispute, lies at the heart of this tension. Morocco claims sovereignty over the Western Sahara, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence for the territory. The international community remains divided on the issue, with some countries supporting Morocco’s claim and others advocating for a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people. The United Nations has been involved in mediating the conflict, but a lasting solution remains elusive. Recent developments, such as the US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara in 2020, have further exacerbated tensions in the region.
Tebboune’s comments underscore the complex geopolitical landscape of North Africa and the delicate balance of power between Algeria, Morocco, and their international allies. His attempt to project an image of strength and diplomatic influence appears to be undermined by the contradictions in his statements and the ongoing challenges facing Algeria. The future of the Western Sahara and the stability of the region remain uncertain, with the potential for further escalation of tensions always present.
